BETHANY EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH

The Bible: The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God and the final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine and conduct. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

God: There is one God and sovereign Creator of all who eternally exists in three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Rev. 1:8; Isaiah 43:10-11; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19)

People: God created people in his image, and every one matters to God. (Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 5:1-2; Luke 19:10)

Sin: All people are sinners and need God’s forgiveness. (Rom. 3:23)

Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent by the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin. He is fully God and fully human, yet lived a sinless life. Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, fully paying the penalty for humanity’s sin. After his resurrection, he ascended into heaven where he now reigns with God the Father. (Luke 1:31, 35; I Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21)

Salvation: Those who confess and turn from their sin, trusting in Jesus Christ are forgiven and saved by God’s grace and become children of God, with the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16-17; Rom. 5:9-11; Gal. 3:26)

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin and empower all that believe in Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christ follower and is a constant helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8)

The Church: Jesus Christ is the head of the church and all believing people are members of this body. Jesus ordained two sacraments (outward signs of God’s invisible grace) for his church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The local church is entrusted with the task of making fully devoted followers of Christ among all people groups. (Matt. 16:18; 28:18-20; Eph. 5:23-24a; I Cor. 11:23-26)

Christ’s Return: Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return to earth as conquering King and judge of all and will establish God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt. 24:3, 30, 36-37; I Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 19:11-16)

Spiritual Beings: Both good (angelic) and evil (demonic) spirits exist and are in conflict with each other until that day when God shall destroy the forces of evil once and for all. (Matt. 25:41; Rom. 8:38; 2 Pet. 2:4; Heb. 1:14; Rev. 20:1-3, 7-10)

Future Judgment: A future Judgment awaits all people whereby those who belong to God by faith will receive eternal life in God’s presence and those who do not will be eternally separated from God. (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15)